News + Events

University hosts prominent state-wide science fair

A contestant explains her project to judges during the 2012 Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair.

March 17, 2013 - Quinnipiac hosted the state's largest science competition for middle- and high-school students from March 12-16 in the Burt Kahn Court on the Mount Carmel Campus.

More than 600 students competed for $150,000 in prizes and the chance to represent the state at international competitions. The event is sponsored by the Connecticut Science Fair (CSF) Association and is celebrating 65 years of competition.

More than 12,000 students throughout Connecticut and bordering New York state towns participated in local science fairs for the chance to participate in this event. Nearly 150 volunteers from government, academic, professional societies, and industry served as judges.

"Having the opportunity to see young people demonstrating their science and engineering learning at such a great event is fantastic," said Lucie Howell, director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Center for Science Teaching and Learning at Quinnipiac. "The fact that it takes place on the Quinnipiac campus and we get to be a small part of that learning experience by recognizing the students for their hard work and commitment is just a bonus."

Bob Wisner, director of the CSF, says the event encourages young people to pursue careers in science and technology. "It is a very proud moment for all of us that the fair is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year," said Wisner, who was a top winner at the event in the late 1950s. "As a former winner myself and through my work with these kids each year, I can testify to the impact this event has on our youth. Their research is impressive and I know these kids will be the science and technology leaders of the future."

Past fair winners have been recognized by prestigious organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation, CT Women of Innovation, and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.

In addition to the State Fair Awards, some of the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair top winners will represent the state and compete for more than $5 million in cash and scholarships at competitions including the Intel International Science and Engineering fair (the world's largest pre-college science fair); the International Sustainable World Engineering, Energy and Environment Project Olympiad, Genius Olympiad, and the Broadcom Masters Competition.